May 5, 2003	Monday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 2, 1424

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KARACHI, May 4: Pakistan captain Rashid Latif said inconsistency in the team selection will not help in rebuilding process of team for the triangular series as its poses more challenges than the event in Sharjah.

Talking to reporters here on Sunday prior to Pakistan’s squad departure for Colombo via Dubai, Rashid said: “Four changes have been made, including two new caps. It was better to work on same bunch of players who went to Sharjah.”

National selectors dropped batsmen Naved Latif, Misbah-ul-Haq, all-rounder Rana Naveed-ul-Hasan and paceman Muhammad Zahid from the team which won the Sharjah Cup last month.

In their places, two new batsmen Faisal Athar, Yasir Hameed were picked while controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar and lanky pacer Shabbir Ahmed were recalled in the team.

“I could not speak to selectors on the formation of the team this time but my recommendations were accepted for Sharjah event,” Rashid conceded.

“My thinking is that to give the players a fair chance and couple of series before discarding them,” he maintained. “If the selectors did not take my views on the selection of the team then I will directly speak to PCB chairman.”

Rashid emphasised that discipline will be his top priority on the tour and no indiscipline will be tolerated and it will be equal for all. “No compromise will be made on disciplinary issues.”

Responding to a question about the surprise inclusion of Shoaib in the team and his discipline problems could be bad influence on the team, Rashid said there will be no curfew timings and boys have been told about the code of conduct on and off the field and every one has to follow it.

“If someone creates an indiscipline situation, appropriate steps will be taken urgently,” he promised.

Rashid noted Pakistan’s bowling will be strengthened with the return of Shoaib and he hoped that it doesn’t affect Mohammad Sami, who performed so well in Sharjah. “Selectors have given us 15 boys and its now our job to pick the 11 in each match on the basis of form and fitness in Sri Lanka.”

On the forthcoming event in Sri Lanka, Rashid said the tournament will be a bigger test for his team after their triumph in Sharjah.

“Definitely, there will be more pressure on the boys in Sri Lanka as expectations will be a bit high after the Sharjah Cup success,” he added.

The 34-year-old wicket-keeper, who had been appointed Pakistan captain for a period of one year, declared New Zealand and Sri Lanka as favourites for the title.

Commenting on his own responsibilities, Rashid said he was fully aware of the big and difficult responsibilities given to him. “ I am working 24 hours on the job and trying to communicate with players, selectors, coach, manager, PCB and media.”.

To a question about the return of the senior players like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Saeed Anwar, Shahid Afridi in the team, Rashid felt doors are open for them but only on the basis of form and fitness and their performance in county cricket.

Meanwhile, Rashid called for an early resumption of Test series between Pakistan and India.

He said that the players were keen to start playing against each other once again in their own countries.

“I just think somebody has to take the initiative and if Pakistan needs to go and play in India or at a neutral venue to break the ice we should do it,” Rashid said. “I think the people in both countries and also the players want to see Indo-Pak matches on a regular basis. These matches are something very special for the players and the people.”—APP